Meteor Crater was caused by the explosive impact of a large meteor; Sunset Crater (north of Flagstaff) was caused by a Volcano. Meteor Crater is located east of Flagstaff off Interstate 40. It is operated by a private company.
Take I 40 east from Flagstaff. Head south from exit #233.
The short drive from I 40 to the crater wanders through very pretty terrain. Red rock and dirt, green high desert shrubs and blue sky create a colorful landscape.
The road is new blacktop and in very good condition (August 2007). At the crater, there are indoor and outdoor viewing areas. A big screen movie is included in the entrance fee.
A guided tour (also included with the entrance fee) follows the rim. The tour covers approximately 1 mile round trip; feet must be covered (open back shoes not allowed).
An on-site restaurant offers food and beverages; outdoor picnic area provides extra eating space.
Apollo space mission personnel trained at Meteor Crater because of its similarity to the moon's crater-pocked surface.
The on-site museum contains information and exhibits about the Apollo missions and NASA's use of Meteor Crater.
Boiler Plate 29A was built in 1965 to test systems that allowed the capsule to float in water upon re-entry; it never actually flew in space 1. Visitors are allowed to go inside this capsule. It is hard to imagine astronauts living in such small quarters! Visit the on-site Astronaut "Wall of Fame" for a walk through history.
50,000 years ago a several hundred thousand ton iron-nickel meteor slammed into the earth with a force greater than 20 million tons of TNT, creating Meteor Crater.
The crater measures 700 feet deep and over 4,000 feet across 1.
Below left: road leading to Meteor Crater
Due to on-going research by scientists, visitors are not allowed inside the crater. The paved paths provide spectacular views of the crater.
Information Sources
1. "Meteor Crater Brief History." (Brochure) Meteor Crater Enterprises, Inc.
Special Tips
Traveling with children, pets or special needs
Accessibility
The restroom at the visitor's center is wheelchair accessible and contains a large stall. Numerous paved paths provide accessible viewing of the crater. An elevator is provided for transporting visitors from the parking lot level to the upper level (store, restaurant and viewing level).
Traveling with children
Please - STAY ON TRAILS. For the safety of your children and the environment, keep your children on the paths.
Safety railings line parts of trails.
Traveling with pets
Pets are NOT ALLOWED unless crated. Therefore, it is best to not bring your pet on this outing.
NEVER leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. ALWAYS clean up after your pet.
Directions & Resources
Located 35 miles east of Flagstaff just off Interstate 40. From I-40 go south on Meteor Crater Road.
Resources:
Meteor Crater Enterprises: maps and information about park activities, fees, etc.
Accessibility
Traveling with children
Please - STAY ON TRAILS. For the safety of your children and the environment, keep your children on the paths.
Safety railings line parts of trails.
Traveling with pets
Pets are NOT ALLOWED unless crated. Therefore, it is best to not bring your pet on this outing.